SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has found that Springfield has ranked in the top 10 cities in their national rankings of the most challenging places to live with asthma. According to the report released in September 2024, Springfield h as the fourth-highest annual pollen scores in the country. AAFA says Springfield has higher-than-average asthma prevalence and number of asthma-related deaths, but an average number of emergency department visits for asthma. High pollen can contribute to asthma-related illnesses and the increased use of over-the-counter medicine use. EPA terminates Biden-era climate grants worth $20 billion Previously ranked as number one, the City of Springfield was dubbed the asthma capital of the U.S. in 2018 and 2019. Since then the city has implemented several air quality monitoring projects to provide real-time data on air pollution levels. The sensors throughout the city are used to inform residents of the air quality, especially for those with respiratory conditions. Efforts also include greener infrastructure projects, access to asthma management programs,and integrated asthma education into school curriculums. In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection revoked a biomass power plant proposal for the city,citing the significant potential harm to air quality and public health. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) terminated grant agreements worth $20 billion issued by the Biden administration under a so-called green bank to finance clean energy and climate-friendly projects. The Trump administration’s freeze on these federal grant funding will have an impact on the City of Springfield. City of Springfield's Chief Development Officer Timothy Sheehan told 22News on Friday that the city can no longer access money from a $26 million grant, $19 million from the EPA which was slated for programs that would improve air quality such as electric buses and its forestry tree project. Officials announce funding for electric buses for Springfield Public Schools Top 10 challenging places to live with asthma in 2024: Allentown, Pennsylvania Rochester, New York Detroit, Michigan Springfield, Massachusetts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Cleveland, Ohio Lakeland, Florida Baltimore, Maryland Charleston, South Carolina Providence, Rhode Island “Nearly 28 million people in the United States have asthma,” said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA. “For people with asthma, this report makes clear that where they live plays a significant role in their quality of life. Federal, state, and local policymakers should use this report as a guide to address climate change, indoor air quality, and access to medical care. Addressing these issues can go a long way to help improve the lives of people with asthma.” Allergy sufferers in these US cities face a tough 2025 season, study finds Poverty, air pollution, and access to specialists are key risk factors for these cities. This is likely due to more industrial and urban populations. Asthma rates tend to be higher, especially among children, in urban locations. Worcester was ranked 23rd and Boston at 74th place on the list. Local News Headlines Hampden DA’s Office teaches Springfield students about substance use prevention ICE arrested over 370 criminals in Massachusetts last week Two suspects face gun charges after shots fired into Orange apartment FDA updates recall for cheese sold at Connecticut Aldi over possible metal contamination WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less